ISLAMABAD: The federal government has convened a crucial meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) today, which would be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to approve Pakistan’s National Development Outlay and finalise the GDP growth target for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The NEC will evaluate the economic performance of the current fiscal year and consider key proposals, including a Rs 4.083 trillion National Development Outlay and a GDP growth target of 4.2% for the upcoming fiscal year. The council will also discuss strategic initiatives such as the URAAN Pakistan programme and increased allocations for the water sector.
NEC to approve development budget, Federal PSDP, Provincial ADPs, and SOE Investments under review. The proposed Rs 4.083 trillion development outlay for FY 2025-26 comprises Rs 1 trillion for the Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs 2.795 trillion in Provincial Annual Development Plans (ADPs), Rs 288 billion for investments in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
These figures were earlier recommended by the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) in its meeting held on Monday. National Economic Council to Set Economic Direction for FY 2025-26. By Article 156(2) of the Constitution, the NEC is responsible for reviewing the country’s economic condition and formulating plans for financial, commercial, social, and economic policies. It also ensures balanced regional development and equity in resource allocation.
Today’s meeting is expected to lay the foundation for fiscal policy and growth-oriented planning in the next fiscal cycle, aligning both federal and provincial development agendas. In related developments, the Civil Services Academy (CSA) and the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) have organised a policy workshop aimed at training mid-career civil servants in evidence-based policy planning and execution. The initiative supports the government’s broader agenda to improve governance and public service delivery through capacity building.
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